DOJ moves to block California’s Proposition 50 congressional map

The Justice Department sued Thursday to block California’s newly approved congressional map, arguing the voter-backed Proposition 50 violates the Constitution by relying on race to favor Hispanic voters. The map, backed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, aims to give Democrats a chance to gain five Republican-held House seats in 2026. The lawsuit joins a challenge filed by the California Republican Party and marks the first federal action against several mid-decade redistricting efforts nationwide. Newsom’s office dismissed the complaint, while Attorney General Pam Bondi called the map a “power grab.” The fight carries major national implications as both parties vie for control of the House, currently split 219–214.